Pulmonologist says smoke caused by fire is harmful

SALINAS, Calif. (KION) Around the Central Coast, the skies are filled with smoke and ash covering the region. In several cities within the valleys and along the coast, the air quality was considered unhealthy.

A pulmonologist in Salinas says "small particulates" in the air caused by the fires can be dangerous for people with lung disease.

"These very small particulates can irritate the air sacs (in the lungs) and inflame them. The inflammation can then lead to an aggravation of lungs," said Dr. Mark Klein.

The tiny particles in the air can increase cardiac issues with people who have underlying health conditions.

"Its terrible where I live," said Julie Courtney, who lives in Carmel Valley.

"Its like snowing ash. I had my dog inside. My son brought me an air cleaner and I've been stuck in the house. I was outside in the morning in my garden and I just came inside because I started coughing," said Courtney.

Others may not have that option. On Thursday, farmworkers were seen working in the heat and smoke in the Salinas Valley.

During this pandemic, Dr. Klein says the smoke can make it easy for COVID-19 to get into a person's lungs.